October 22, 2020

Alternative Proteins and Politics: On Labels, Threats, and Misconceptions

The plant-based milk sector is booming, threatening the conventional dairy milk business. Beyond and Impossible burgers have gained immense popularity, as more fast food restaurants and grocery stores make them available to consumers. Cultured meat is expected to conquer the meat market in the near future. These developments have spurred the animal agriculture industries to issue complaints and call on policymakers to review the labeling and regulation of plant-based products. The backlash from the animal agriculture industry has resulted in wins and losses on both sides, and different rulings in various jurisdictions.

How will these labeling policies change consumer behavior? What are the threats or opportunities of new regulations for the plant-based food movement? How will the cultured meat industry be regulated and what does that mean for the businesses and the consumers?